work at hand

USAGE SUMMARY

"work at hand" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a task or project that must be completed. For example, "I need to focus on the work at hand and finish this report before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Now, let us finish the work at hand.

The New York Times

The work at hand here is Bach's expansive "St.

The New York Times

"His focus continues to be the work at hand".

The New York Times

"Yet," writes Ackroyd, "Hitchcock did have work at hand".

The Guardian - Books

Our children deserve our continued dedication to the important work at hand.

The New York Times

Faces burnished and cryptic as Indians, eyes glinting at the work at hand.

The New York Times - Books

The work at hand may have been necessary, but it was also impossible.

The New Yorker

But as a paralegal, she often has relevant knowledge of the work at hand.

The New York Times

Claims of "root causes" are distractions from the real work at hand.

The New York Times - Arts

Whenever he begins a project, Mr. Romanek carefully selects photographs to inspire the work at hand.

The New York Times

From the outset, his work has rooted in the formal properties of the work at hand.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work at hand" to clearly indicate the task or project that requires immediate attention and focus. For example, "Let's put aside distractions and concentrate on the "work at hand" to meet the deadline."

Common error

Avoid using "work at hand" interchangeably with phrases that imply a different nuance. While similar to "task at hand", "work at hand" often encompasses a broader project or endeavor, whereas "task at hand" is more specific. Ensure the phrase accurately reflects the scope of the activity you're describing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work at hand" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a preposition or verb. It identifies the specific task or project that requires focus and effort. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "work at hand" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that refers to the task or project currently requiring attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, though predominantly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. To maintain clarity, consider alternative phrases like "current task" or "business at hand" to fine-tune the intended nuance. Remember that effective usage focuses on precise communication, ensuring the phrase accurately reflects the scope of the activity being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

task at hand

A very close synonym, nearly interchangeable.

business at hand

More formal and often used in meetings or official contexts.

matter in hand

Emphasizes the importance or urgency of the situation.

current task

Focuses on the immediacy of the task.

present undertaking

Emphasizes the active and ongoing nature of the work.

job to be done

Focuses on the completion of the work.

project in progress

Highlights the developmental aspect of the work.

current assignment

Specifically refers to a task that has been assigned.

ongoing endeavor

Stresses the continuous and committed effort.

immediate concern

Highlights the urgency and priority.

FAQs

How can I use "work at hand" in a sentence?

You can use "work at hand" to refer to a task or project that needs to be focused on. For example, "The manager urged the team to concentrate on the "task at hand" to ensure project success."

What's a good alternative to "work at hand"?

Alternatives include "current task", "present undertaking", or "business at hand", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is "work at hand" formal or informal?

"Work at hand" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is widely used in professional settings, news articles, and general conversation. The "business at hand" would be a more formal variation.

What does "work at hand" mean?

"Work at hand" refers to the task, project, or activity that is currently being addressed or needs immediate attention. It emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present activity to achieve a desired outcome.